Currently roads remain dry with only isolated areas of wetness from melting snow.

The same mild weather will continue today, which will keep roads dry and clear moving into the weekend. Traffic volumes are predicted to remain moderate with an increase in traffic during the late afternoon today as weekend ski traffic begins to head into the mountains. With most Denver schools not expected to start spring break for another week, traffic is likely to remain moderate through the weekend with only moderate travel delays.

“A fast moving storm is expected to impact the corridor starting Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning with possible snow squall conditions that produce a large amount of snow accumulation in a short period which could adversely affect road conditions very quickly,” CDOT’s I-70 Mountain Corridor Manager Patrick Chavez said. “We will continue to monitor conditions and will ensure that maintenance crews are prepared to respond to road conditions.”

Because of the overall mild weather and predicted lower traffic volumes, CDOT has made the decision to not open the Mountain Express Lane this weekend, though they will be prepared to implement operations if demand requires it.

“We will continue to assess traffic volumes and will have a better idea for possible Mountain Express Lane operations by Saturday morning,” Chavez said.

The I-70 Mountain Travel Radio broadcast complements CDOT’s existing resources for traffic and road condition information throughout the state. Motorists can call 511 anywhere in Colorado for periodically updated road conditions, visit www.CoTrip.org and CDOT Mobile for the best and most accurate road and travel information, or sign up for GovDelivery alerts that offer important travel information. Also, GoI70.com – hosted by the I-70 Coalition – provides weekly I-70 travel forecasts based on historical data and how weather, construction or events may impact the mountain commute. Finally, CDOT provides travel information and frequent updates through Twitter and periodically on Facebook.

CDOT’s I-70 Mountain Travel Radio is part of the Change Your Peak Drive campaign, which works to improve the I-70 Mountain Corridor by encouraging mountain travelers to change not only the time they drive, but also how they drive. Through public education and strategic partnerships, CDOT works to give motorists the tools they need to be winter ready and know the resources they have for I-70 information. To learn more about the campaign and winter driving tips, visit winter.codot.gov.

Driving Tips, Operation TireSafe - CDOT reminds motorists to allow for extra travel time and to always be prepared when traveling during winter weather events. Winter driving tips can be found online at http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving. Visitors to Arapahoe Basin this weekend will also benefit from free tire checks provided by CDOT Operation TireSafe partner, ColoradoLand Tire and Service.

Live road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org, or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.